Mkhwanazi Intends To Grow Significantly Using Technology

Fresh produce is sold at Sabelo Mkhwanazi’s Mayanda Fresh supermarket, which serves the oThongathi, KwaZulu-Natal, community.

Mkhwanazi told Newzroom Afrika that before opening the firm, he noticed that members of his neighbourhood were complaining and claiming about buying rotting and expired goods from surrounding stores, which gave him the idea to start the business concept.

Last year in June, the 32-year-old, who worked as a cleaner at a butchery, opened the store.

“My desire to provide my community with fresh, high-quality produce led me to enter the supermarket industry,” Mkhwanazi remarked.

In addition to providing a warm and inviting environment for its patrons, Mayanda Fresh aimed to uphold the interests of nearby farmers and suppliers.

“A large selection of fresh products at reasonable costs are necessary. Trying to establish a reputation as a reliable brand in South Africa’s retail sector is another objective,” he said.

Mkhwanazi uses cutting edge technologies and solid supplier ties to guarantee stock availability.

“I’ve built a reliable rapport with my suppliers, which gives me latitude in terms of payment conditions. Timely deliveries and consistent stock availability are guaranteed by this mutual trust.”

Mayanda Fresh is able to consistently provide fresh vegetables to its consumers because to this strategy. Additionally, Mkhwanazi’s cutting-edge inventory management system precisely monitors all stock levels and provides real-time updates while he makes purchases and sells goods. He went on to say that the community, stakeholders, and customers had all given him very excellent comments.

His supermarket caters to both oThongathi employees and the locals living in the neighbouring districts.

“I have purposefully positioned my first store in the heart of the oThongathi core business district in an effort to draw in and keep clients. Customers can easily obtain everyday necessities from this business sector, which is well situated close to residential districts,” he said.

In order to reach more people and make sure that more people are aware of what Mayanda Fresh has to offer, Mkhwanazi also makes use of media relations.

The self-made businessman claimed that although he did not receive government money, he was nevertheless able to launch his company thanks to the help of his family and community.

“Managing the supply chain to ensure a consistent and timely delivery of fresh produce, as well as establishing and maintaining strong relationships, were two of the biggest challenges my business faced.”

Mkhwanazi intends to grow significantly.

“In order to start an online business, I want to build an e-commerce website that will enable customers to shop from home and have their products delivered right to their door,” he said in closing.

Editor’s note: Sabelo Mkhwanazi uses cutting edge technologies and solid supplier ties to guarantee stock availability.

Description: Mayanda Fresh supermarket, which serves the oThongathi, KwaZulu-Natal, community. Has brought much needed relief to the community of oThongathi, who used to buy what they claim as rotten and unhealthy food.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA